|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886
Expert
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 886 |
Quote:
The type of music I like playing is 50ish type stuff with a rock edge so I'm thinking the Shure 55SH might be ideal.
I hate to say it, but it looks like you are buying the mic on "looks" because it fits in with that era, not on the sound. You also need to consider how you are going to connect it to your system, does it need phantom power, etc.
Been here, did all of this!
Could you post a sample of your singing? This way folks can hear your voice and at least make a comparison to what they have used that might fit it....no, it's not scientific, but it would help!
i5 3.20GHz, 32gb RAM, 1tb SSD OS, 12tb HDD, 4gb gForce vid card, 32" monitor, Audient id44, Win10 x64, BiaB/RB 2023, Reaper 6,IK Multimedia Total Studio 3.5 MAX, Waves 10
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
I have an EV PL80a which I won in a drawing. It does just fine on vocals and instruments. Just use the EV and get some experience with it. You'll find out soon enough whether you like it or not.
I agree with rharv - asking for mic recommendations is a non-starter.
I use a pretty obscure large diaphragm condenser for recording vocals at home, but I'm finding I can use that EV PL80a just about anywhere and I don't pick up ugliness from room modes. I made a great steel string recording in my living room back a couple months ago with that mic. I also used a very inexpensive Samson SM58 clone that sounds great as well.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 4,900 |
I use a Rhode NT1-A in my studio but Sure clones on the road. I wouldn't have it the other way round. Besides, it would look odd
Follow That Dream Sam Karaoke King -------------------- Turning that corner again - I have to keep following that dream, no matter what
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,492 |
Quote:
Those who think there is a 'best mic' are talking about a specific recording situation.
Not quite. A "good" mic can do everything. The problem is that most mics have a flaw here and there. What a microphone should do, is to record sound in its most natural way without adding or subtracting emphasis in certain areas.
You're right if you have to record the sound inside a combustion engine (volume!) or capture the true sound of an elephant herd's conversation (subsonic!). But everthing on a stage could be captured with the same microphone if it leaves the quality of the sound as is.
Quote:
Think about possible needs before deciding. I wouldn't put a couple mics mentionedin this thread on a snare or inside a bass drum.
That is correct. The microphone here needs to accept certain SPLs that a lot of mics for vocals cannot accept without producing annoying artefacts. The klirr factor is something to be considered here.
Quote:
... many recordings and artists like the sound of their voice thru an sm57 or 58 (or any other brand in any price range).
Price range is the key factor -- the sound depends largely on
- positioning of the mic,
- the settings of the mixer and
- the quality of the speakers.
I bet that, with a good sound engineer operating the mixer for best sound, nobody is available to identify any decent mic in a certain price range.
Quote:
It depends quite a bit on what you need it for. Close range protection is a bit different than spying for antelope. I have $30 mics that don't sound good on a lot of stuff, but pointed at a ride cymbal makes it a surprise bargain.
On a stage making music you probably won't need a shotgun charakteristic, so these are not a subject here. And having a cheap mic that is perfect for the frequency spectrum of a certain instrument is a winner. But the original question with an emphasis towards a Shure 55SH doesn't really point to it.
Your absolutely correct with Quote:
It depends quite a bit on what you need it for.
Here, in the original post, it probably should look sexy for 50s-stlye music.
I use EV N/Dyn mics because they are insensitive to handling noises. I use the Shure for looks for certain types of music despite its major disadvantage (hiding the face). With all microphones I use I try to get the best setting of the controls on the mixer that my voice comes across as natural as possible. This setting changes when I change microphones -- more or less depends on the microphone. And it changes with different mixers because of different mic-preamps, and different sensitivity of the controls.
And through observation I learned that, especially the untrained, people judge equipment by looks and (weel-known) name of manufacturer.
So the best mic, for the envisioned purpose, gives you the most natural sound possible. There are several manufacturers who can provide similar mics in any given price range and usually the higher the price the better the mic.
You might, however, find a cheap microphone perfect for a given situation. But: How many cheap mics are you willing to buy until you find "the one".
Desktop; i7-2600k, 8 GB mem., Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
Laptop: i5-2410M, 4 GB mem, Win 10 Pro, BIAB 2017; RB 2017 - latest build
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,612
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 22,612 |
The big thread (I suggest starting on page 3) - http://homerecording.com/bbs/equipment-f...ations-27030/3/A lot of Harvey Gerst knowledge freely shared in this thread. It's a long read but worth it if you want to learn about all kinds of mics and apps.
I do not work here, but the benefits are still awesome
Make your sound your own!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
@GHincH The point is that roqu22 already has a couple of usable mics - he should get used to using them. You will see that roqu22 is posting all kinds of beginner questions in the PG forums. Right now is not the time for him to dive into the netherworld of microphone selection.
Right now he needs to learn about gain staging in his recording setup and also decide where in his house/flat/etc. he should do his recording.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,504
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,504 |
If I had to pick one dynamic mic for all situations I would choose the Sennheiser MD421.
It's more expensive than the SM series microphones but many times better. Pro Audio Review ranked it the second best all-around dynamic mic and the best for vocals, brass, and acoustic guitar (the first one was hundreds of dollars more). It is one of the few microphones inducted in the technology hall of fame. It has absolutely no proximity effect. Plus my Sennheiser has lasted longer than 3 sure microphones on my partner's mic stand (she bought a MD421 after her last mic failed).
Insights and incites by Notes
Bob "Notes" Norton  Norton Music
https://www.nortonmusic.com
100% MIDI Super-Styles recorded by live, pro, studio musicians for a live groove
& Fake Disks for MIDI and/or RealTracks
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 3,365 |
Quote:
Those who think there is a 'best mic' are talking about a specific recording situation.
I really have to go with rharv on this one.
If you go into any top-flight recording studio, anywhere in the world, you'll find a fabulous range of mics from the cheap workhorse to the esoteric. This is because the professionals know that one mic will not do everything. It's not enough to have a mic which reproduces faithfully anything put in front of it - sometimes the source may need flattering and the producer/engineer will have the experience to choose a mic to do just that.
Microphone choice and placement is an art, not a science.
ROG.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,026 |
I use a SM81 Shure that a Dallas studio was throwing away cause they said it had distortion. Took it apart and cleaned it with spray contact cleaner, and used it ever since. I have a SM58 and a SM57, but they sound muddy to me compared to it. Also have a Shure PG81(another free one) almost as good as the SM81, but I only use one at a time. Some times when I record my guitar amp at very high volumes I use a very old Shure Unidyne B. Eric Johnson told me call when I want to sell it, he used them live back then before he was mega-famous. It was the first mic I ever owned in the early 60's, my Dad's old used one.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,109 |
I use a Shure Beta 58, mostly because when I was first getting into vocal processors the threads indicated that a lot of people were using them successfully with the TCH Voiceworks. Not sure why. But it definitely made a difference over the previously used Shure SM58
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Off-Topic
|
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 264
Apprentice
|
|
OP
Apprentice
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 264 |
Quote:
Quote:
The type of music I like playing is 50ish type stuff with a rock edge so I'm thinking the Shure 55SH might be ideal.
I hate to say it, but it looks like you are buying the mic on "looks" because it fits in with that era, not on the sound. You also need to consider how you are going to connect it to your system, does it need phantom power, etc.
Been here, did all of this!
Could you post a sample of your singing? This way folks can hear your voice and at least make a comparison to what they have used that might fit it....no, it's not scientific, but it would help!
You are correct, it IS a visual thing with that mic. But having said that, and for the fact I'm not going to buy a mic through eBay, I'll probably be going to Guitar Center or Sam Ash and give it (and others) a try. I WANT that Shure55SH because I think it's cool but if I don't like how it sounds, that'll be that. I'll know when I hear it. As far as the "phantom power", ya got me.  I'm using a Line 6 Ux1. SO I just did a Google:
http://line6.com/support/docs/DOC-4412
So, I guess, that means I can only use a DYNAMIC mic as the UX1 has no "phantom power". Incredibly enough, for only a few bucks more I could have bought the UX2 which DOES have "phantom power" but, oh well... No more spending on that stuff for a long while. But it's not just the LOOK. I've done a bit of research:
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Shure-55SH-Series-II-Mic-100818954-i1126527.gc
Almost all give it high praise no matter where I look.
Okay, now for the worse part:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=980icR2-_9s
I'll probably do those older ones again but "heavier" and with the aid of RealBand. (Embarrassing, but gotta leave them). 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac Videos
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Check out this forum post for "One Stop Shopping" of our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Videos!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Mac is Here!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Holiday Weekend Hours
As we hop into the Easter weekend, here are our holiday hours:
April 3 (Good Friday): 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM PDT
April 4 (Saturday): Closed
April 5 (Easter Sunday): Closed
April 6 (Easter Monday): Open regular hours
Wishing you an egg-cellent weekend!
— Team PG
Update to Build 10 of RealBand® 2026 for Windows®!
If you're already using RealBand 2026 for Windows, download build 10 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® users: Build 1237 is now available!
Already a Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows user? Stay up to date and download the build 1237 to get all the latest additions and enhancements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,225
Posts802,110
Members40,071
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean